House is expected to repeal law requiring foreign driver permit

With no debate, the Florida House on Tuesday moved to repeal a law that created an international stir and threatened to undermine a key component of the state’s tourism industry.

The House is expected to vote today to reverse a 2012 law that required Canadians and other foreign visitors in Florida to obtain an international driving permit before they could operate a vehicle. The Senate is scheduled to take up the bill Tuesday and send it to Gov. Rick Scott for immediate approval.

The law took effect on Jan. 1 — at the height of Florida’s winter tourist season — and caught thousands of Canadian visitors by surprise, forcing them to scramble to obtain the driving permits, which are issued only in their country. The impact on Canadians was particularly significant since they represent the largest cohort of foreign tourists who come to Florida each year.

As the controversy took hold, Florida law enforcement officials announced they would not enforce the law, in part because it appeared to violate international treaties governing driving rights in foreign countries.

Lawmakers said the legislation was originally passed to help Florida law enforcement officers more easily determine if a foreign visitor had a valid driving license. But they have moved quickly in their annual session to repeal it after realizing the potential negative impact on foreign visitors and tourism in the state.

“From time to time we will pass legislation and find out there were some unintended consequences,” House Transportation and Highway Safety Chairman Daniel Davis, R-Jacksonville, told the House.

He said the quick passage of the repeal would send a message to the Canadians and other tourists “that our state is open for business and we want to make sure we let them know we will roll out the red carpet.”

After the House gave preliminary approval to the bill (HB 7059), Rep. Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, who had formally apologized to Canadian officials for the passage of the 2012 law, said he felt “relieved” that lawmakers were moving to correct the problem.

“And I hope the folks in Canada feel relieved,” Albritton said. He said the House action shows lawmakers are working on a solution. “It’s very real and it’s in motion.”

Meanwhile, the Senate has sent its version of the repeal bill (SB 1766) to the Community Affairs Committee, which has scheduled a Thursday hearing on the legislation.

Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, said his chamber will take up the bill next week “without a lot of delay.”

“We certainly plan to take care of that issue,” Gaetz said. “I think that falls under the general category of unintended consequences. And we certainly don’t want to discourage our Canadian visitors. I come from Northwest Florida and we have a lot of Canadians who come down to our beaches and we want them to keep coming.”

Ironically, the House’s final vote on the bill will come on “Tourism Day” at the state Capitol.

Lawmakers say it was never their intention to create any barriers for Canadians or any other foreign tourists. “We’re all about tourism,” Gaetz said.

With the repeal of the 2012 law, Canadians and other foreign visitors will be able to drive on Florida’s roadways if they have a valid driver’s license from their home countries.

Lloyd Dunkelberger

Lloyd Dunkelberger is the Htpolitics.com Capital Bureau Chief.
He can be reached by email or call 850 556-3542.
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Last modified: March 13, 2013
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